A spokesman for DHL's public relations company said Mr Phillips's family was in "complete shock".

"There has been a team from DHL with them who informed them about what had happened and to help them through it. They are still with them," he added.

He said Mr Phillips had joined DHL Aviation Bahrain in 1989 and had more than 11,900 flight hours - 4,000 of them on the Boeing 757-200, the type of aircraft that crashed.

Devoted family man

It is thought his wife, Ami, and three children are being cared for at their home, now in Bahrain.

Paul Bishop, the company's Middle East aviation director, said Mr Phillips was a "loving husband" to his wife and described him as a "devoted father" to his children
Aycee, eight, Christina, three, and James, four months.

"Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends during these difficult times," he said.

Mr Bishop added: "Self-motivated and resourceful, Paul had a solid technical background and was known for his attention to safety and excellent flying standards.

"He was extremely well-liked and respected by all his colleagues."

Rob Smallwood, a neighbour of the Phillips family in Bahrain, described the pilot as "a great chap".

Prime Minister Tony Blair sent a message of sympathy to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the families of the Russian victims.

The wreckage was spread for 20 miles

It said he was "shocked and deeply saddened".

It added: "It is tragic that so many children from among the Urals were among the victims. Please pass on my sincere condolences to the families of the victims.

"My heart goes out to you and through you to the people of Bashkortostan."

Axel Gietz, another DHL spokesman, said the Boeing had been built in 1990 and had been constantly maintained.

"We cannot explain the accident at this point. We can only send our condolences to the families of those involved."